Press Releases
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will Not be Deterred from the Peace Process
The following statement is a summary of comments made by Adel Al-Jubeir, Foreign Policy Advisor to Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains committed to the peace process and is working closely with the United States and President George W. Bush to help bring about an end to violence in the Middle East. In spite of the many obstacles, Saudi Arabia is determined to find a just solution to the conflict.
Crown Prince Abdullah came to the United States to meet with President Bush. He came with a peace plan, an open mind and an open heart. He welcomed President Bush's involvement in the Middle East and his vision of two states living in peace, side by side.
Crown Prince Abdullah presented a peace plan which has received unanimous support from the 22 nations of the Arab League and has been embraced by the United States, the European Union and more than 60 countries.
The plan calls for the following:
- Full Israeli withdrawal from all the territories occupied in 1967, including the Syrian Golan Heights to the lines of June 4, 1967, as well as any remaining occupied Lebanese territories.
- Achievement of a just solution to the Palestinian refugee problem to be agreed upon in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution 194.
- The acceptance of the establishment of a sovereign independent Palestinian State on the Palestinian territories occupied since June 4, 1967 in the West Bank and Gaza strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Consequently, the Arab countries affirm that they will:
- Consider the Arab-Israeli conflict formally ended, and enter into a peace agreement with Israel, and provide security for all states in the region.
- Establish normal and peaceful relations with Israel in the context of this comprehensive peace.
The plan has been universally supported, including support by more than half of the Israeli population, and is considered to be the best hope for near-term peace in the region.
Crown Prince Abdullah and President Bush pledged a renewed dedication to the peace process and a partnership in an effort to bring all sides together for meaningful negotiations.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Unequivocally Condemns Terrorism
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has repeatedly and unequivocally condemned terrorism and has affirmed its full support and cooperation in the international coalition to combat terrorist organizations and activities. Saudi Arabia strongly condemns all acts of terrorism, which contravene all religious values and human civilized concepts.
The Kingdom has maintained a steadfast position condemning all forms of terrorism, and its ongoing cooperation with the international community to combat it is ongoing.
The Crown Prince has said unambiguously - "no honorable man would accept terrorism." Saudi Arabia does not support or contribute to terrorism. We never have, and we never will.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Does Not Fund or Support Suicide Bombings
The cycle of violence in the Middle East must end. Reports that Saudi Arabia funds or supports suicide bombers are false and baseless. Saudi Arabia does not support terrorism. Period. We never have and we never will.
Saudi Arabia is very proud of the fact that it has given hundreds of millions of dollars over the years to Palestinians to build their institutions, infrastructure, put food on their tables, and medicines in their pharmacies. Over fifty percent of the Palestinians today, as a consequence of Israeli occupation and aggression against them, live below the poverty line.
Thousands of Palestinians have lost their breadwinners. How can anyone sit back and do nothing? Saudi Arabia gives money to people in need, just as the United States has given money to Palestinians. Can anyone say that America supports suicide bombers because it provides humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians?